Published 6:15 am, Saturday, November 22, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today introduced S. 2965, the Operation United Assistance Tax Exclusion Act, which provides that members of the Armed Forces performing hazardous humanitarian services in West Africa to combat the spread of Ebola shall be entitled to appropriate tax benefits.

“Once our armed forces are placed in harm’s way, Congress, and the Commander-in-Chief have a responsibility to support them and to provide security for the families who remain behind while they face danger,” said Sen. Cruz. “The morbidity rate of Ebola poses a substantial danger to those who have been sent to combat it and, for the first time, this risk extends beyond the battlefield and directly threatens the safety of their families. Congress should give these service members the appropriate recognition and respect for their service in times of grave danger. The risks posed to our Armed Forces conducting their assigned mission in Africa warrants this consideration.”

Specifically, S. 2965 compensates those who are performing the hazardous mission Operation United Assistance as if they were deployed to any other Executive Order-designated combat zone. The benefit shall only apply to service members who are required to undergo a 21-day quarantine.